If you're like most researchers, you want to get results faster. Many factors contribute to the overall time it takes to get PCR results: the time to design, program, and optimize a protocol, the time to run the protocol, and the time to analyze the results. Bio-Rad engineers have developed a complete thermal cycling system that will speed every step of the PCR process to give you what's really important — a shorter time from setup to results.

The patented* reduced-mass sample block heats and cools more quickly than standard blocks, so average ramp rates are increased and overall run times are reduced.

Superior Uniformity Precision of the temperature steps is critical for the rate and efficiency of PCR. To obtain reliable, consistent results, all sample wells must maintain proper temperature throughout each incubation step. The C1000 Touch™ thermal cycler uses six independently controlled thermal electric modules (TEs), the heating and cooling elements of the thermal cycler, to maintain tight temperature uniformity at all points during a run — even while ramping.

Rapid Arrival at Target Temperature A key component of overall protocol run time is the time required to reach target temperature, which is determined by the average ramp rate and the time needed for the sample block to reach thermal uniformity. Maximum ramp rate is less important because it can fluctuate significantly during the ramp. The C1000 Touch thermal cycler's temperature control produces high average ramp rates and tight uniformity during ramping to yield fast time to target temperature and faster protocol run times. Run times can be dramatically shortened — to less than 30 min — while still producing accurate quantitative results. Now you can tailor your runs around your schedule instead of tailoring your schedule around your runs.

Superior uniformity with rapid arrival at target temperature. 1000-series thermal cyclers exhibit high average ramp rates, rapid settling time, and tight thermal uniformity throughout the ramp. This graph shows the temperature measured by probes in 15 wells across a sample block. The traces are nearly indistinguishable due to the tight uniformity. Note the consistent high average ramp rate throughout heating and cooling.

The programmable temperature gradient allows you to identify the optimal annealing temperature in a single PCR experiment by letting you test eight incubation temperatures at once.

The 1000-series gradient feature uses dynamic ramping, which means the temperature gradient forms during ramping and all wells come to the designated temperature at the same time. As a result, the incubation period is the same for all samples, which is crucial for transfer of gradient to nongradient protocols.

The O-ring hermetic seal extends the life of the heating and cooling elements. Condensation from constant heating and cooling can degrade thermal electric modules (TEs), causing them to fail. Bio-Rad’s 1000-series cyclers include a patented* O-ring seal (red in illustration) that forms an airtight barrier around the TEs, preventing exposure to condensation. This substantially lengthens the life of TEs and guarantees outstanding thermal performance.

Using the right cycling protocol can have a great impact on the efficiency of your PCR. The C1000 Touch™ thermal cycler's protocol autowriter sets a new standard for easy programming by generating a customized temperature protocol based on your enzyme type, PCR product length, and primer annealing temperature. Using established PCR guidelines, the protocol autowriter suggests a cycling protocol with hot start, initial denaturation, annealing/extension steps, and final extension. It can even create a fast protocol for you, so you can get results faster.

Protocols generated by the protocol autowriter at various standard (S), fast (F), and ultrafast (U) settings yield comparable results. 2 kb, 10 kb, and 20 kb fragments were amplified from a DNA template by iProof DNA polymerase, and various fragments up to 501 bp in length were amplified from human genomic DNA using iTaq DNA polymerase. Equal amounts of reaction mixture were loaded into the well for each set of amplicons. M, markers.

The C1000 Touch thermal cycler offers superior performance and a large color touch screen for easy programming. This fully modular platform is able to accommodate different throughput needs with easily interchangeable reaction modules that swap in seconds without tools. Each PCR module has a fully adjustable heated lid that supports a wide range of vessels and sealers, including low-profile and standard-height PCR plates.

For more than 15 years, Bio-Rad has made science education a major priority. To support this effort, the company has implemented a discount policy that allows high school and college teaching laboratories to purchase kits, instruments, reagents, and other equipment at preferred prices.

How do I apply for the education discount?

If you are an educator at the high school or college level, visit our Education Discount Policy page to establish an education account number.

If you are placing an order, you may proceed with your order; the account price will be applied if it is lower than the list price. If the problem persists, please call customer service at
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